Backyard Birds

I have a question that does't have to do with bird watching but more like helping out the wild birds in my backyard. I usually feed the backyard birds from late fall to early spring so they can get a head start on spring. I keep hummingbird feeders, a bird bath and two bird waterers all year around. Prior to feeding them this year there are very few birds in my backyard. The ones that are there are very splotchy looking (no House finches or Lesser Goldfinches, either) and they don't look well. They are active and don't act sick. Could this be because of the Fall molt? Should I feed them early or not at all? All of them look really bad.

Please advise.

Thanks,

Chuck

Most small birds are in moult at this time of year, that could well be it.

Resin